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Regulated Occupations

Some jobs in Canada require that you have a special licence before you can begin work. These are called regulated occupations. Most regulated occupations require that you have specialized education and experience before receiving your licence. Physicians and electricians are examples of workers who need to be licensed in order to do their job.

There are two main types of regulated occupations in Canada:

1. Regulated professions
2. Apprenticeship trades

Regulated professions usually require several years of university or college education, practical experience under the supervision of a licensed worker in the chosen profession, and the successful completion of a licensure examination. Physicians, nurses, and lawyers are examples of workers in regulated professions.

It is important to note that provinces and territories sometimes expect different things from their regulated professionals. In some instances, this means that a person licensed in one province may have to re-apply for a license in order to work in another province or territory.

Apprenticeship trades usually require the completion of a period of apprenticeship training on the job by a licensed supervisor, some specialized college education courses, and the successful completion of a certification examination. Mechanics, plumbers, and welders are examples of workers in apprenticeship trades. Across Canada, there are about 50 different regulated professions and more than 100 apprenticeship trades. Combined, the regulated professions account for about 20% of the Canadian workforce.

Who is in charge of the regulation process?

In Canada, each of the ten provinces and three territories are generally responsible for their own regulated professions. Apprenticeship trades are regulated directly by the provincial and territorial governments. Professional occupations are usually regulated by a self-governing body that is established through provincial and territorial legislation. These bodies have the power to decide on the exact process of licensing their members, but are still subject to the scrutiny of the province or territory.

A few professions are regulated federally. Ultimately, each province and territory has the power to decide on what is required to work in the regulated professions. Because the safety of the public is of great concern in Canada, this is a role that is taken very seriously. If you are in doubt or if you need help with the licensing requirements of your future foreign worker, please contact us by email or call our office. We can help.





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